Measles

Measles is spread person-to-person through the air. It is a very contagious disease.

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Measles can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death.

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The measles virus is very contagious, so when one person gets infected, it's easy for the disease to spread. Measles is still common around the world. There have been many recent measles outbreaks due to infected people bringing the disease into the United States from other countries.

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Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles.

Measles Vaccine Schedule

All children should get 2 doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine starting at age 1. Some teens and adults may also need MMR vaccine if they didn't get 2 doses when they were younger.

This initiative has saved lives by supporting the vaccination of more than 600 million children in more than 60 countries

Video Library

Measles - Rachel's Story: Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can cause fever, coughing and distinctive red-brown spots on the skin. Rachelís daughter Lola contracted measles at the age of three. In this UK National Health Service (NHS) video, Rachel describes Lola's symptoms, how she was finally diagnosed with measles and the treatments she received.

The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC), a non-profit organization, works to increase immunization rates and prevent disease by creating and distributing educational materials for health professionals and the public that enhance the delivery of safe and effective immunization services. IAC also facilitates communication about the safety, efficacy, and use of vaccines within the broad immunization community of patients, parents, healthcare organizations, and government health agencies.